What to do with your handycam?
Gatot Tio, Contributor, Jakarta
About three years ago, electronics giant Sony decided to halt shipment of some video cameras after discovering they could be used for filming much more of their subjects than meets the eye.
Some versions of the handycam have infrared technology that allow users to shoot at night or in total darkness with the help of a "night shot" mode. But reports revealed that when the special feature was used in daylight or a well-lit room with a special filter, it could see through clothing.
Following a number of legal suits, filed mainly by women who charged users with harassment, including tourists, several countries have reportedly banned the sale of the NightShot color video camera (model CVX-V18NS and CCD TRV78e).
So how does it actually work?
With its specially designed infrared pass filter, also called the ADXIR filter, which was included in the purchase, this digital camcorder is able to capture images at 0-Lux, or in complete darkness. This filter has adjustable exposure capabilities, which allow x-ray vision even in the brightest sunlight.
But is this special feature something we need in a digital handycam?
Not really. A handycam can do more than that. As we know, recording video digitally delivers remarkably better picture quality, sharper images and better color reproduction.
Digital video offers higher resolution (up to 500 lines of horizontal resolution). It also offers superior color and low noise. You can copy or edit digital-to-digital without any quality loss, whereas with traditional videos there was always a loss when you went tape to tape. Unfortunately, a digital handycam is considerably more expensive than its traditional analog counterpart.
Then what do you really want to do with your handycam?
Once you have answered this one simple question, you have automatically eliminated 80 percent of the digital cameras of choice available on the market.
For example, if all you want is to capture images for e-mails, a low-level 1 megapixel (MP) handycam will do the trick. Just don't expect stunning 5x7 prints to come flying out of your home photo printer.
On the other hand, what if you want a handycam that will give you photo quality prints at home? Then I suggest you direct your attention to handycams in the 2 MP range. If you are one of those people who do back flips over special features like the aforementioned zooms and video modes, expect to add several hundred thousand rupiah to that 2MP model you have your eye on.
If photography already is a big part of your life, you are probably better off with the 3-plus megapixel model with a 3X or 4X optical zoom and features only a true shutterbug would really care about. These features include special program sets for several purposes, such as night scenes, sports, portraiture and landscape.
Remember, there are handycams out there that are designed to enhance the imaging experience of everyone, from the casual snapshooter to the "hardened" photojournalist. Just make sure you decide which one you are before reaching for your wallet.
Several days ago, Sony unveiled what it claims is the world's smallest network digital camcorder, measuring the length of a handheld computer and weighing less than 11 ounces. Called the DCR-IP7E Network Handycam IP (Image Portal), the camcorder will be available in stores across Asia by November for US$1,720. The unit allows video buffs to surf the Web and send e-mails with video attachments when used with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or Sony's Bluetooth 56kbps modem adapter. The camcorder can hold up to 50 e-mail messages and addresses. The device accepts JPEG, TIFF and MPEG attachments, which are automatically stored on the Sony Memory Stick when received as e- mail.
It comes with a 2.5-inch liquid-crystal display viewfinder. It has a USB connection for video downloads to PCs, as well as FireWire cables for two-way communications between the camcorder and a TV or PC.